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springfield-va podiatrist 5 keys to healthy safe pedicureOur Springfield podiatrist certainly understands why many people enjoy the relaxation of a salon pedicure. Aside from creating beautiful feet, the salon also provides a chance for letting someone else take care of you! Keep in mind, though, that salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which move easily from one person to the next if sterilization is not done properly.

Ensure A Healthy, Safe Pedicure With Our 5-Star-Rated Springfield VA Podiatrist

Here are five keys to ensuring you receive a healthy, safe pedicure at a nail salon.

  1. Preparation – Don’t shave your legs before getting a pedicure; the microscopic cuts on freshly shaven legs are an invitation to infections. Additionally, schedule your pedicure for first thing in the morning; salon footbaths are cleanest early in the day. If a morning pedicure isn’t feasible, choose a salon that filters and cleans the footbath between clients.
  2. Use Safe, Hygienic Tools – Bring your own utensils if possible, as bacteria and fungus move easily from one person to the next. Also avoid using the same tools for your manicure and pedicure, as fungus can transfer between fingers and toes. Be sure your pedicurist uses toenail clippers with a straight edge to prevent risk of ingrown toenails. Finally, since emery boards are extremely porous and can’t be sterilized, your emery board should also be used exclusively on you and not shared with other people.
  3. Removing Calluses – The thick, dead skin on the heel, ball, and sides of the feet (known as calluses) should NEVER be removed with a foot razor. This tool can cause permanent damage when used incorrectly and may cause infection. The best way for your pedicurist to remove calluses is by soaking your feet in warm water for at least five minutes, then using a pumice stone, scrub, or foot file to gently smooth rough patches. Use an emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep your soles soft.
  4. Cuticles & Under the Nails – Don’t use any sharp tools to clean under nails, because it’s easy to puncture the skin, leaving you vulnerable to infection. The pedicurist should use a wooden or rubber manicure stick to gently remove dirt and build-up and to push back cuticles. Do not cut cuticles, which can risk infection; even pushing them back can cause them to grow thicker. Avoid both.
  5. Nails – don’t round the edges of your toenails, which can increase the chance of ingrown nails. Also, if you have thick or discolored nails, don’t apply polish – see your Springfield podiatrist instead! Nail polish prevents your nails from “breathing,” and it slows healing. Lastly, remove polish regularly at home or in the salon with a non-acetone nail polish remover.

Salon visits are a wonderful treat; enjoy your visit fully by using the most hygienic utensils and treating your feet and nails properly! If the salon you visit cannot accommodate your requests, you should switch to another salon.

Consult with your localSpringfield VA podiatrist for more information, or feel free to schedule an appointment with us at The Podiatry Center.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to foot and ankle care, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Springfield VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.


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